Slovenian companies have been urged to increase investment in Kenya to help strengthen ties between the two countries.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi (pictured) called on the companies to leverage several opportunities in the country’s manufacturing and processing sectors, particularly in the Export Processing Zones and Special Economic Zones. He also highlighted other areas of collaboration such as agriculture and food security, health, information and communications technology (ICT), green energy, environment and climate change.

“Kenya’s robust ICT infrastructure provides an attractive environment for investment and offers a strategic gateway to the broader regional market,” Mudavadi who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said during a meeting with Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon.

Mudavadi noted that Slovenia has supported Kenya by providing the industry with capacity-building opportunities for beekeepers, helping them gain relevant skills and expertise in the entire honey sector value chain.  Climate change, which is a threat to both countries, was also a major point of concern with Mudavadi underscoring the need for concerted efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.

 “We have agreed to work together to step up our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity by prioritizing green growth,” he said.

“We have also agreed to work collectively, including during the upcoming COP 29, to advocate for a more reformed and inclusive global climate financing framework.”

Mudavadi also sought Slovenia’s support for President William Ruto’s global agenda on climate action, biodiversity conservation, and green growth.

 Fajon said the Slovenian government is looking to create a strong relationship with Kenya.

 “We also welcome you to visit Slovenia and speak with the investors who would be keen to invest in Kenya,” she said.

The meeting coincided with the celebration of over three decades of excellent relations between Kenya and Slovenia.